Proper Stretching – Imperative For a Functioning Body

Proper stretching is a vital, yet far too overlooked, component of maintaining efficient biomechanics, or body mechanics. Even if you are less active, which I hope you are not, stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, preserving flexibility to maintain range of motion in the joints. Without proper stretching, muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when the muscles are called on for activity, they are weak and unable to fully extend, putting us at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage. These effects worsen dramatically with age from the biomechanical, compression and postural destruction.

Proper stretching is imperative. However, many people either do not stretch, or stretch incorrectly. Many fitness trainers do not demonstrate proper stretching. We have many old myths on stretching we need to eliminate:

ballistic stretching (bouncy, yoyo stretching….sorry Jane Fonda)

over stretching (hot yoga participants please listen)

mistaking strength training and stretching

when to stretch

how long to hold a stretch

confusing the muscle between contracting and stretching

With proper stretching, we can prevent many debilitating postural issues (such as Dowagers Hump), lower back pain, preserve muscle mass, and prevent chronic pain and joint and bone erosion.

According to the American Osteopathic Association, patients with musculoskeletal conditions incur total annual medical care costs of approximately $240 billion, of which $100 billion is from lower back pain. How many spinal fusion surgeries and other compression injuries can we prevent with proper physical activity and stretching?

In an encore appearance….Marjorie Brook is an internationally-recognized bodyworker and pioneer in the field of Scar Tissue Release. Marjorie travels globally offering seminars and lectures on the S.T.R.A.I.T. (Scar Tissue Release And Integrated Therapies) Method, an innovative and ground breaking therapy that works with the body, not against it. It is her mission to bring awareness to the public about the damaging effect of scar tissue and adhesions. Please refer to our show with Marjorie on Scar Tissue.